HonorBridge
We are one of the 57 federally designated organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in the U.S.
HonorBridge is the largest OPO in North Carolina, serving 77 NC counties and Pittsylvania County, VA. Our purpose is to recover donated organ, eye, and tissue from deceased donors for transplantation and other life-enhancing procedures. We partner with over 100 hospitals, 4 transplant centers, and other essential partners to coordinate the donation process. We inspire our neighbors to register as eye, organ, and tissue donors. We provide support to the families of those who give the gift of life.
Mission
We are devoted to building connections that save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation.
Vision
We set the pace for lifesaving donation around the world through continuous improvement and innovation. By building trusting relationships, we inspire communities and partners to be passionate advocates and invite people to experience the fulfillment of giving life to others.
Our Impact
Our impact in organ & tissue donation for 2023
2,527 tissues recovered
388 heroes donated organs
1,067 heroes donated tissue
1,003 organs transplanted
912 lives
saved
Our Values
These principles guide every aspect of our work
- Trust: Honor the trust that people place in us.
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: We work as one. We celebrate all.
- Service: Commit to service excellence.
- Innovation: Embrace the power of innovation.
- Passion: Live our passion for healing lives.
In 2021, our Board of Directors and Leadership staff defined these values to reflect our deep commitment to doing our work with integrity.
History & Milestones
HonorBridge has been a part of our community for nearly 40 years
March 2022
Grant Awarded
HonorBridge is awarded a grant by the Kidney Transplant Collaborative to fund a project to develop a new system for recovery and tracking kidney donation, to increase the number of kidneys available for transplantation.
August 2021
New Brand
Carolina Donor Services becomes HonorBridge, a name that reflects our commitment to building the relationships that heal and save lives.
July 2021
TransMedics Partnership
Carolina Donor Services is one of 6 OPOs to partner with TransMedics, implementing their Organ Care System for Lungs to increase the number of lungs available for transplant.
June 2021
New Tracking Service
Feb 2021
The Decision Project
Carolina Donor Services announces a new partnership with The Decision Project to better serve multicultural communities where donor registration rates are low. The partnership helps us have more meaningful conversations in the context of our neighbors’ every day lives.
2017
5 Million Registered Donors
Donate Life NC, an important partner of HonorBridge’s efforts to register more donors in the state, announces that 5 million North Carolinians are registered as organ, eye, and tissue donors.
2016
New President of CDS
Danielle Bumarch, RN, JD, is named the new President/CEO of Carolina Donor Services. Mrs. Bumarch assumes the chief executive position held by Lloyd Jordan for 30 years.
2007
The Heart Prevails
On October 1, NC Gov Easley signed “HB1372: The Heart Prevails” into law, so the heart on one’s driver’s license a legally binding commitment to be an organ and eye donor.
1999
Two Services Merge
Carolina Donor Services was established on Dec. 29 when the two separate North Carolina organ procurement organizations, Carolina Organ Procurement Agency and Carolina LifeCare, merged.
1985
Founded
Carolina Organ Procurement Agency was founded to provide recovery services to the eastern half of NC and Danville, VA. Carolina LifeCare, based in NC Baptist Hospitals, were providing services to the central and western parts of the state.
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Ways to Support HonorBridge